Romans 15:2

KJV

Let every one of us please [his] neighbour for [his] good to edification.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1063} Let {G700} every one {G1538} of us {G2257} please {G700} his neighbour {G4139} for {G1519} his good {G18} to {G4314} edification {G3619}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Each of us should please his neighbor and act for his good, thus building him up.

Berean Standard Bible

Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

American Standard Version

Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, unto edifying.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 15:2 calls every believer to prioritize the spiritual well-being of their fellow Christian, actively seeking to please them not for personal gain or flattery, but for their genuine benefit and spiritual growth. This command is foundational for fostering unity and maturity within the church, urging believers to set aside individual preferences and rights when they might hinder another's faith, instead pursuing actions that build up the body of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 15:2 is deeply embedded within Paul's extended exhortation concerning Christian unity and mutual acceptance, which begins in [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Christian Liberty and Conscience"). Chapters 14 and the opening verses of 15 address the tensions between "strong" and "weak" believers, particularly regarding practices like dietary laws and the observance of specific days. Paul's primary concern is that those with greater liberty in Christ (the "strong") should not cause their weaker brethren to stumble or be offended. [Romans 15:1](/romans/15-1 "Romans 15:1 - Bearing with the Weak") explicitly states, "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves." Verse 2 directly builds on this by providing the positive command: instead of pleasing oneself, one should please their neighbor for their good, with the ultimate aim of edification. This demonstrates a clear progression from abstaining from harmful actions to actively pursuing beneficial ones.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Rome was a diverse community, comprising both Jewish and Gentile converts. This diversity often led to differing convictions, particularly concerning adherence to Jewish customs (like food laws and Sabbath observance) which some Jewish Christians still valued, while Gentile Christians often felt free from such regulations. Paul's letter seeks to bridge these divides, emphasizing that while individual liberty in Christ is valid, it must always be exercised within the framework of love and consideration for others. The cultural context also involved a common understanding of "pleasing" (ἀρέσκω - *areskō*), which could range from mere flattery to genuine accommodation. Paul clarifies that here it means seeking the true, spiritual good of the other, contrasting it with self-pleasing. This teaching was crucial for a nascent church navigating internal differences while facing external pressures from a pagan society.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes found throughout Romans and Paul's epistles. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Selfless Love and Service**, echoing the call for believers to prioritize the well-being of others over personal desires or convenience, a principle central to Christian ethics as seen in [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and Selflessness"). Secondly, it reinforces the biblical principle of **Neighborly Love**, which Jesus identified as the second greatest commandment (e.g., [Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - Love Your Neighbor")). Paul recontextualizes this love within the Christian community, emphasizing its constructive and spiritual dimension. Thirdly, the verse highlights **Edification (Building Up)**, a recurring Pauline theme. The ultimate goal of Christian interaction is not just peaceful coexistence, but the active spiritual strengthening of fellow believers and the church as a whole, as also taught in [1 Corinthians 14:26](/1_corinthians/14-26 "1 Corinthians 14:26 - All Things for Edification"). Finally, the passage speaks to the crucial theme of **Unity in the Church**, demonstrating how individual acts of sacrificial love contribute to the overall harmony and health of the diverse body of Christ, preventing divisions that might arise from differing convictions or backgrounds.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **please (Greek, _aréskō_):** From G700, meaning "to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so)." In this context, it moves beyond mere flattery or seeking human approval. Paul uses it to denote acting in a way that is genuinely beneficial, agreeable, and supportive to another person's spiritual journey and well-being, rather than simply satisfying one's own desires or preferences.
* **neighbour (Greek, _plēsíon_):** From G4139, meaning "(adverbially) close by; as noun, a neighbor, i.e. fellow (as man, countryman, Christian or friend)." Here, it specifically refers to fellow believers within the Christian community, emphasizing the immediate context of intra-church relationships. The command is not abstract but directed at those with whom one shares fellowship and proximity in faith.
* **edification (Greek, _oikodomḗ_):** From G3619, meaning "architecture, i.e. (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation." This word is crucial. It literally means "building" or "construction." In the New Testament, particularly in Paul's writings, it consistently refers to spiritual construction—the process of building up individuals in faith, character, and maturity, and strengthening the church as a corporate body. It implies a constructive, positive, and growth-oriented outcome.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let every one of us please his neighbour":** This is an imperative command, addressed to "every one of us," indicating a universal responsibility for all believers. The act of "pleasing" here is not about conforming to someone's every whim or engaging in insincere flattery. Instead, it signifies a deliberate choice to act in a manner that is considerate, accommodating, and beneficial to the spiritual and relational harmony of one's fellow believer. It stands in direct contrast to the self-pleasing Paul warns against in [Romans 15:1](/romans/15-1 "Romans 15:1 - Not to Please Ourselves").
* **"for his good":** This phrase clarifies the motive and nature of the "pleasing." The intention must be benevolent and genuinely aimed at the other person's true welfare. It distinguishes this command from worldly people-pleasing, which often seeks personal advantage or avoids conflict. Christian "pleasing" is selfless, driven by love, and focused on what is genuinely advantageous for the neighbor, particularly in a spiritual sense.
* **"to edification":** This final phrase specifies the ultimate purpose and desired outcome of such actions. The goal is not merely to avoid offense or maintain superficial peace, but to actively build up the other person. "Edification" (from _oikodomḗ_) implies spiritual construction—strengthening their faith, encouraging their growth in Christ, and contributing to their maturity. It means acting in ways that foster spiritual health and stability within the individual and the collective body of believers.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several effective literary devices in this concise verse. The primary device is the **Imperative Mood**, signaled by "Let every one of us please," which conveys a direct command or exhortation, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of this principle for Christian conduct. This is not a suggestion but a clear directive for how believers are to interact. Furthermore, Paul utilizes **Metaphor** with the term "edification" (_oikodomḗ_). By using a word that literally means "building" or "construction," he paints a vivid picture of the spiritual process of growth and strengthening. Just as a physical building is carefully constructed, so too are believers and the church built up through intentional, loving actions. This metaphor underscores the constructive and progressive nature of Christian fellowship. The verse also functions as a powerful **Ethical Exhortation**, providing a concise moral instruction that guides believers in their interpersonal relationships within the church, moving them from self-centeredness to other-centered, Christ-like love.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 15:2 encapsulates a profound theological truth: Christian love is not merely an emotion but an active, self-sacrificial pursuit of another's spiritual good. This verse resonates deeply with the biblical emphasis on communal responsibility and the interconnectedness of the body of Christ. It teaches that true Christian liberty is not an excuse for self-indulgence but an opportunity to serve and strengthen others, especially those who may be weaker in faith or hold different convictions. By prioritizing the edification of our neighbor, we participate in God's work of building up His church, reflecting the very character of Christ who did not please Himself but sought the Father's will and our salvation. This principle is vital for maintaining unity, fostering spiritual maturity, and demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel in practical, relational terms.

* [1 Corinthians 10:24](/1_corinthians/10-24 "1 Corinthians 10:24 - Seek the Good of Others")
* [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bear One Another's Burdens")
* [Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 15:2 challenges us to move beyond a self-centered approach to faith and embrace a posture of active, benevolent consideration for others within the Christian community. In a world that often celebrates individualism and personal rights, this verse calls us to a counter-cultural ethic of sacrificial love. Practically, this means intentionally asking how our choices, words, and actions impact the spiritual journey of our brothers and sisters in Christ. It might involve foregoing a personal preference, exercising restraint in our liberties, or choosing a path that, while perhaps less convenient for us, contributes to another's growth and strengthens their faith. This principle is especially pertinent in diverse church settings, where differing backgrounds, convictions, and levels of maturity require grace, patience, and a shared commitment to mutual edification. Our aim should always be to build up, encourage, and strengthen, rather than to tear down, cause offense, or create division.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might I be "pleasing myself" rather than my neighbor in my interactions within the church or with other believers?**
* **How can I more intentionally seek the "good" and "edification" of those around me, particularly those with differing convictions or levels of spiritual maturity?**
* **What personal preferences or "rights" might I need to willingly set aside for the sake of another's spiritual well-being, reflecting the self-sacrificial love of Christ?**
* **How does my speech and conduct contribute to the "building up" or "tearing down" of others in my Christian community?**

### FAQ
**Does "please his neighbour" mean I should be a "people-pleaser" and compromise my convictions?**

Answer: No, the biblical command to "please his neighbour" in [Romans 15:2](/romans/15-2 "Romans 15:2 - Please Your Neighbor for Good") is fundamentally different from worldly "people-pleasing" or compromising one's convictions. The crucial qualifier in the verse is "for his good to edification." This clarifies that the aim is not to gain human approval, flatter, or avoid conflict at the expense of truth or personal integrity. Instead, it means acting in a way that genuinely benefits the other person's spiritual well-being and contributes to their growth in faith. Paul himself states in [Galatians 1:10](/galatians/1-10 "Galatians 1:10 - Not Seeking Man's Approval") that if he were still "pleasing men," he would not be a servant of Christ. Therefore, the "pleasing" in Romans 15:2 is a selfless, love-motivated act that seeks the spiritual construction of the other person, even if it requires personal sacrifice or restraint on one's own liberties, as discussed in [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Christian Liberty"). It is about building up, not merely conforming.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 15:2 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect example in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul immediately follows this verse by stating in [Romans 15:3](/romans/15-3 "Romans 15:3 - Christ Did Not Please Himself"), "For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me." Jesus perfectly embodied the principle of pleasing His neighbor for their good to edification. His entire earthly ministry was characterized by self-sacrifice, not self-pleasing. He consistently set aside His own comfort, rights, and even divine prerogatives (as seen in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Humility of Christ")) to serve humanity, ultimately laying down His life on the cross for our salvation. His life was a continuous act of love aimed at our ultimate spiritual good and eternal edification. By His example, Jesus demonstrated that true strength is found not in asserting one's own will, but in humbly serving others, bearing their burdens, and seeking their highest good, thereby building them up into the family of God and conforming them to His image, as commanded in [John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - A New Commandment to Love").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 14:19

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

1 Corinthians 10:24

Let no man seek his own, but every man another's [wealth].

Philippians 2:4

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Philippians 2:5

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

1 Corinthians 10:33

Even as I please all [men] in all [things], not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they may be saved.

1 Corinthians 11:1

¶ Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ.

1 Corinthians 13:5

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;